Alexandre Lacazette reveals what Unai Emery told him prior to his introduction against West Ham

Alexandre Lacazette will be hoping to be involved from the start against Cardiff City next weekend after helping Arsenal to their first victory of the season.

Drawing 1-1 at half-time against West Ham on Saturday afternoon, the forward was introduced by Unai Emery at the break in place of Alex Iwobi.

It proved to be an important substitution for the Gunners, especially with the ex-Lyon man playing a major part in Issa Diop’s own goal in the 70th minute.

Up against Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for a starting spot in the team, Lacazette, who has yet to start for the Gunners this season, revealed after the game what his head coach had told him prior to his introduction.

“The manager just told me to play my game and said we will win if I play well,” said the French international, as reported by Goal.

“There is a lot of difference under the new manager.

“You can’t really compare the two coaches – they are their own men when it comes to football.

“Even if the aim is still to play and hurt the opposition with the ball, there are some big differences.

Lacazette celebrates as Arsenal take the lead against West Ham(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

“I knew I could help the team,” he added.

“What I do is different to everyone else. I just want to play and help my team all the time.

“When you come off the bench you have to be ready for your team-mates, it is what I tried to do and obviously it helped us to get the win.”